PITTSBURGH, PA – In the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York/New Jesey football teams reminded us why rivalries thrive in the same stadium: one builds trenches like they’re prepping for medieval siege, the other collects shiny new toys like it’s Black Friday at MetLife.
New York Football Giants
The Giants, kicking off the Jim Harbaugh era with picks at No. 5 and No. 10 (courtesy of that Dexter Lawrence trade), went heavy on the lines. First, they snagged Ohio State linebacker/edge Arvell Reese at 5 overall. Reese brings unrealized upside and explosion—basically the defensive player many had as a top-4 talent who somehow slid. Pair him with Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, and the Giants’ edge group just became terrifying. Grade: A-. Harbaugh’s front seven is starting to look like it could sack quarterbacks on vibes alone.
At No. 10, they added Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa, a 6-6, 329-pound mauler who dominated pass protection (one sack allowed in forever, per PFF). He might kick inside to guard initially behind Andrew Thomas and Jermaine Eluemunor, but this is tone-setting beef for Jaxson Dart’s protection. Solid value for a team that’s been leaky up front. Grade: B+.
Then in Round 2 at 37, Tennessee CB Colton Hood—a scrappy, All-SEC performer—adds needed secondary depth after losing some pieces in free agency. Grade: B. Overall Giants haul: A-. They addressed trenches with high-floor, high-ceiling pieces. Classic Harbaugh: build the walls first, then watch the offense breathe.
J-E-T-S
Across town the stadium, the Giant’s Tenants went full chaos mode, landing three first-rounders.
At No. 2, they picked Texas Tech edge David Bailey over Reese. Bailey’s pro-ready with elite speed and 14.5 sacks on his résumé—perfect pop for Aaron Glenn’s defense. It’s a safe, high-floor choice, but some wondered if they passed on higher ceiling. Grade: B.
They then grabbed Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq at 16 (via trade) to give the offense a mismatch weapon alongside Garrett Wilson, and traded back in for Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. at 30—a shifty YAC monster who’ll terrorize from the slot. Those two upgrades around the QB (whoever that ends up being) earn a collective A-.
In Round 2 at 50, they added Indiana CB D’Angelo Ponds, a speedy, scrappy cover guy with attitude. Grade: A-.
Jets overall: B+. Aggressive volume shopping paid off on paper, but they’ll need those new pass-catchers to actually develop chemistry fast.
My Two Cents
The Giants played disciplined football—fortifying the foundation with witless efficiency. The Jets rolled the dice for immediate juice. In a few years, we’ll see who’s laughing in the Meadowlands. For now, both Big Apple squads avoided total disaster – and that gives us hope! Yay.
